Knowing how to wrap your hands can be daunting if you’re just starting on Muay Thai. However, it’s one of the most important steps if you want to master the craft. Even if you’ve been doing it for some time, it can help to know that you’re doing it right. Muay Thai requires you to use your eight limbs. Other skills which come in handy include shadowboxing and endurance training, which helps you overpower your opponent in the ring. This article will bring you up to speed with everything you need to know about wrapping your hands in Muay Thai to ensure you have fruitful training.
Why is it Important to Wrap Your Hands?
It’s crucial to master hand wrapping if you want to get the most out of your Muay Thai training. The hand consists of 27 bones, which are responsible for a wide range of movements. One wrong move can result in serious injury, which can halt your training or the end of your stint in Muay Thai or any other competitive sport for that matter.
Correctly wrapping your hands protects your bones from breaking even when you hit your opponent or a heavy bag. It also helps protect fragile bones. Moreover, you run the risk of destroying your nerves by regularly subjecting them to hard surfaces.
Wrap Around Your Thumb and Wrists
- One of the most common ways to wrap your hands for Muay Thai is wrapping your hands inside-out. You achieve it simply by unrolling the wrap and rolling it back, ensuring the adhesive patch faces inward.
- Ensure you wrap your hand and all the fingers so they can stay in place.
Slip the wrap and let it Rest on the Knuckles
Be careful when slipping the wrap because you may end up untangling it in the process. Use your other hand to pinch the inside of the wrap as you slide it in place. Pick the other end of the remaining fabric and wrap it tightly between your thumb and index finger. Lastly, secure it in place using the pad.
- Wrap around your hand at least three times to secure it to the pad
- You can leave the thumb to increase movement
- The wrap should be a perfect fit. Unwrap and wrap again whenever it becomes too tight or loose.
Wrap Around Your Knuckles
It’s safe to assume that the wrap can now withstand being moved around the knuckles. The wrap should be tight while still ensuring blood flows freely throughout the hands. You should wrap three times.
- Your wrist should be straight as you wrap to reduce the chances of sustaining an injury.
Wrap Between each Finger
Wrap tightly around all the fingers until you reach the area between the middle and index finger. You should take the wrap down to the wrist.
- For this step, you must keep the fingers straight until you’ve wrapped them.
Wrap Around the Knuckles Once More
Wrap around the knuckles three more times for extra cushioning. You should then perform another wrap that rests at the bottom of your wrist.
Wrap Around the Wrist to Complete
This should be the last stage. You should wrap it around your wrist at least three times.
In a Nutshell
Knowing how to wrap your hands is the key to keeping injuries at bay when training for Muay Thai. It may seem like an uphill task at first, but through practice, you’ll become a professional both in the ring and at wrapping your hands. The first step should be to choose a wrap that works for your particular situation. Then, learn the technique of wrapping your hands. You’ll then be ready to go participate in Muay Thai.
